What is Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Mycoplasma genitalium (also known as Mgen) is a sexually transmitted infection which is generally asymptomatic. If left untreated it can cause serious health problems.
Where to get help in Bexley?
If you are showing symptoms, you can visit your local sexual health clinic or GP in the London Borough of Bexley. They can provide confidential testing and treatment.
For more information, visit the NHS website or contact your local healthcare provider.
Mgen is transmitted through vaginal and anal sex. You can get Mgen more than once, so it is important that you complete your treatment correctly to avoid reinfection. It is not known if Mgen is transmitted through oral sex.
If you are in a same-sex female relationship or do not have penetrative sex, you can still transmit or get Mgen from your partner.
The symptoms of Mgen are similar to chlamydia symptoms, however most people with the infection are asymptomatic. If you have a vagina, you are less likely to have symptoms.
Symptoms in females
If you have a vagina, you may experience:
- Increased or unusual vaginal discharge
- Bleeding in between periods or after sex
- Pain or irritation when you urinate (wee)
- Lower abdominal (stomach) pain
Symptoms in males
If you have a penis, you may experience:
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain or irritation when you urinate (wee)
- Watery or cloudy penile discharge
- Inflammation on the penis or foreskin
- Testicular pain or discomfort
Other symptoms for both sexes
- Inflammation in or around the anus
- Irritation, itching or bleeding from the anus
- Use condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex.
- Use a condom to cover the penis, or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the vagina if you have oral sex.
- Complete the full treatment and avoid sex until you have finished.
- Do not share sex toys (if you do, wash and cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them).
There is no routine screening available for Mgen, however a sexual health clinic may offer you a test if:
- You have a penis and have non-specific urethritis (NSU) that has not responded to treatment
- You have a vagina and are showing symptoms
- Your sexual partner has tested positive for Mgen
Treatment involves a course of antibiotic tablets. It is important that you complete the course and avoid sex whilst on treatment. The minimum time you need to avoid sex for is either 14 days after you begin treatment, or 14 days after all symptoms disappear, whichever is later. Your current sexual partner will be given the same treatment as yourself unless they are allergic to the medication.
You will need to return 5 weeks after completing your treatment for a test of cure.
Mgen is thought to have the potential to become a ‘superbug’ (resistant to multiple antibiotics). This is because it is easily mistaken for a chlamydia infection, allowing the bacteria to build up a resistance against common medications for this. It is important you complete your course correctly to avoid the bacteria building resistance, making it harder to cure.
A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and sexual partners. They may need to check your penis or vagina, and you may be asked to give a urine (pee) sample or use a swab (like a cotton bud) to take a sample of fluid from your penis or vagina. They may also need to take a swab from your anus if you have anal symptoms. You will generally be offered tests for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the same time.
It is strongly recommended that you contact your current and recent sexual partner(s) if you test positive, so they can test and receive treatment as soon as possible. A doctor or nurse will advise you on this and may offer to inform your partner(s) for you anonymously.
Complications can differ depending on the genitals you have, but the complications that can affect both sexes include arthritis and eye inflammation which is more common in males. If you are living with HIV, you are more likely to get Mgen and pass it on alongside other infections.
If you have a penis
You can develop testicular infections (epididymo-orchitis) which can cause pain and swelling.
If you have a vagina
You can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes. If left untreated this can cause infertility.
If you are pregnant, mycoplasma can be passed from you to your baby during birth. It is not known if this causes any problems for the baby or if it can be passed to your baby in-utero (in the womb).
If you test positive for Mgen it is important to tell the doctor or nurse you are pregnant, as not all antibiotics are safe to take during pregnancy